March 12, 2010

Association of Canine Water Therapy

About The ACWT

Association of Canine Water TherapyCindy Horsfall

My name is Cindy Horsfall and about 10 years ago, I started my canine water therapy program and named the company "La Paw Spa." I had no idea what a complex and fascinating industry that I was getting myself involved in. Now, with over 14,000 hours in the pool with our canine friends, I have completely turned my life over to this amazing and growing field of canine health care.

This is a very exciting time to be involved in this industry. Pools and Treadmills are springing up everywhere and the veterinarian profession is beginning to recognize the benefits of water therapy for their clients.

Clients can enjoy this modality in various forms from backyard pools to treadmills in office parks - all valid and offering a different environment and aspect of the work – This industry is booming…..

….booming without guidelines, standards or appropriate educational opportunities to further our skills and knowledge…

The time is right for us to start this Association– Our own professional organization dedicated to the safe practices of canine water therapy.

This is a relatively new industry. Most of the people who are drawn to this field of work are quite unique. Many have ventured outside the lines of normal and moved away from high tech jobs, secure paychecks and what appears to be common sense and have followed their hearts, souls and their dogs into this work.

The Association of Canine Water Therapy is a unique opportunity to network with this growing community of like-minded individuals.

Most of us have had to move mountains in our lives to get to where we are today and I know that TOGETHER we can move mountains in this industry – setting standards of care, inspiring exceptional educational opportunities and becoming the best that we can be.

Our state of the art website will be a neutral place for all to go for information, networking and support.

Our expanded and informative directories will help direct our customers to a facility nearby.

Our wonderful and fun quarterly newsletter is sure to be a favorite for everybody.

Our forums, both public and private, will be a place to interact, gain insights, share stories, ask questions and find answers.

After 16 years operating my own facility in Redmond, Washington, I sold my property last year and began operating my therapy services out of multiple locations. This move allowed me to create the space and time to move into the bigger picture and begin this Association.

I am committed to you… I am committed to this profession… I am committed to this Association…

All of which is driven by my primary commitment - the dogs in our lives…

Cindy Horsfall
January 2005